Ok, thank you all who responded. I've already updated the firmware (using the provided CR-V3 batts) and everything worked just fine. Actually the update wasn't that important, as my (only) SD card has 1GB - which is supported from the version 1.00 and if I'll add another 1GB card and a mass storage device I won't need anything else.
Even if I work in IT, I've done a firmware update only 3 times: once for a combo (DVD+CD-Writer) unit and two BIOS upgrades. One upgrade failed (wrong version, I guess), so I know what's like when you make a working device (be it a computer or a camera) inoperative. Not a pleasant feeling. Now a few words about the camera (just a quick impression, many of you knows it better than me). First, the camera is slow. And I'm talking mainly about the AF, which - if you don't have a well-lit, contrasty subject - takes some time to lock in. When shooting in raw mode also the writing speed could be a big issue, after the buffer fills you'll have to wait for several seconds to be able to take the next picture. Well, one could lower the jpeg resolution to 4MP in order to gain some extra frames but... if you have to do this perhaps this is the wrong camera for you. Ergonomy. Now that's supposed to be the strong point of a Pentax camera. Well... I'll actually have to accommodate with the DS, searching for a good grip - and the buttons aren't that easy to find/use. I was more comfortable with my MZ-6, but the DS - for me at least - works better without a battery grip. Which doesn't exists anyway. Since is my first digital camera (and I more or less hated all the other digital cameras I've tried) I'm sure we'll get along just fine. Construction. Plastic from the outside, but quite well put together; I guess the metal subframe helps alot. The buttons&wheel are not too bad but not too good either. I would worry more about water&dust sealing than the camera breaking in my hands. The SD slot and the IO ports cover are OK, the PC port however is difficult to use. The flash may be a weak point. In a word, adequate (I won't say that about many well-regarded cameras and I ignored the price and it's class). The viewfinder is good, better I would say than that on my MZ-6 (I left the film cameras home so I can't compare them). Unfortunately I also have a ME Super, and that keeps me from calling the viewfinder "great". So: am I glad I've made this step? Yes, I am (actually I was quite well-informed about the camera's capabilities, and I "played" with one before taking this decision). I think the DS could be considered the digital, improved version of my MZ-6 (and that's a camera I liked a lot, except for it's viewfinder). It's somehow slow but I don't think that will be a problem (in some occasions I may have to use jpegs and not raws). It's not perfect but neither are it's competitors. And I wasn't willing to trade the viewfinder for gimmicks like IS, USM, sonic waves or other sci-fi tech. Now it's me and my "skills" which should be improved. Alex Sarbu (which must learn how to use his new photographic tool - mind you, it's not a toy like you-know-which-brand cameras <grin>)
